With luxurious colors, exotic materials, extreme precision and a carefully executed artistic vision, this Cuban-American designer has successfully established Alexandra Vidal as a premier brand in the evening, cocktail, couture, and ready-to-wear spheres of the fashion world. Vidal’s successful career in this competitive industry stems from her outstanding performance as a student at the Miami Institute of Art and Design and the Paris Fashion Institute. Having earned various accolades during her education–“The Best in Fashion Design,” “Great Student Award,” and “Best Design in the United States”–Vidal is now in high demand among various A-list celebrities and socialites. Have you ever seen an original Vidal in the iconic windows of Bergdorf Goodman and wondered what motivated such grandeur? Read on to learn more about Vidal’s journey and ingenuity, and tap into the the beautiful brain behind the masterpieces.

What brought you to fashion?

I have always loved fashion since I was a young child. Some of my fondest memories are playing dress-up in my mother’s closet, making and sewing clothes for my dolls, and watching fashion shows on television. The idea of creating clothes that could enhance a woman’s beauty, as well as her figure, is something that has always been a great desire of mine. It’s all about creating that dream dress.

Your most memorable fashion moment?

There are so many wonderful moments, but one of the most exciting ones was when Bergdorf Goodman decided to buy my Fall/Winter 2010 collection. That same Christmas, they put one of my gowns in their iconic windows!

Personalities who inspired you to embrace this career?

Coco Chanel, Schiaparelli, Madame Vionnet and Mariano Fortuny.

How do you approach fashion?

It comes very naturally to me. It should never be forced or it will show. I am a strong believer in chic and elegant glamour.

Your daily look?

Winter: Sweater and Alexandra Vidal leather or velvet skirt (maybe pleated of some sort), with a vintage fur coat, boots and big glasses.

Summer: A pretty Alexandra Vidal day dress with great heels and big glasses. I like to wear vintage Kelly bags!

A good look is…

Anything Alexandra Vidal!

Last purchase?

Textiles from Guatemala for personal dresses and skirts I am working on. I really love ethnic embroidery and fabrics. When they are combined with the right design, they can look so fabulous!

Your source of inspiration?

I often travel and visit museums. I get inspired by art, architecture, costume and certain periods of history.

A definition of style?

The expression of one’s personal image.

What is the most extravagant piece you ever made?

I have made several, but one of them is a gown that took more that 1,050 hours just for the embroidery alone. The artwork for this gown was incredibly intricate. We used Ari and Zardozi embroidery techniques and beaded with combinations of faceted beads, metallic threads, Swarovski crystals, caviar beads, seed beads, 3 cut, 2 cut, and bugle beads in antique gold and silver. The sleeves were sunburst pleated first to create an optical illusion before we beaded them.

The most iconic piece in your wardrobe?

A very special black-beaded, cowl fringe gown from my Spring/Summer 2014 collection. This gown was constructed with jet black bugle-beaded fringe, meticulously draped to flatter every curve in one’s figure. The design of the gown has some flat beading as well to accentuate other areas of the body. This combination of beadwork creates a spectacular effect!

Trends to look out for this spring?

I don’t really follow the trends, as I like to design timeless pieces–but for Spring/Summer 2019, be prepared to see a lot of beige, lace, feathers, beaded fringe, bold shoulders, craftwork and ruffles in all of the stores and online!

Best pieces to accessorize a day-to-evening outfit?

JAR Aluminum Earrings. They are so chic!

Your signature perfume?

Originally from Los Angeles, Alicia lived in Shanghai for 11 years before moving back to the states to attend the University of Miami, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and minors in art and philosophy. Currently residing in New York City, Alicia applies her knowledge of strategic communication and design in her career. She enjoys painting, rugby, exploring, and more often than not, you’ll find her petting someone’s dog.